It looks like I found the forum for info on my latest acquisitions !! I recently bought several pieces from a gentleman who move to the US from England several years ago. It had seven military rifles from the 1870's to early 1900's, all in great original condition, a number of swords ( 5 Wilkinsons, 3 others ), 2 aircanes, and three real oddities, a very massive snaphaunce (?), one unknown, and the one that is the subject of this post. It is in great shape, seems to bear military unit markings, looks a lot like a military version of one I found on the collector firearms website. Here are some pictures of it. I would appreciate any info on it, age, origin, value, etc. The others I will post over the next few days as I take pictures of them.

Hi Rikkn and welcome to the Forum.
Your gun is not a Snaphaunce, but is a matchlock and most probably of Indian origin. The marks shown are likely to be armory marks. Can you please post a clearer pic of these? Other Members will no doubt expand on, or correct my comments.
Regards Stuart
Sorry Rikkn, I misread your text regarding this being a Snaphaunce. Would like to see pics of that one though when you get a moment.
Regards S

I have a similarly marked matchlock that needs a rebuild.
I always assumed that these stamps were added by the British making an inventory and recording the contents of the local armouries.
Mine is marked SLK 126 with a reversed swastika above

BTW, Should really be in the ethno forum. Might get more replies there too.

I have a similarly marked matchlock that needs a rebuild.
I always assumed that these stamps were added by the British making an inventory and recording the contents of the local armouries.
Mine is marked SLK 126 with a reversed swastika above

BTW, Should really be in the ethno forum. Might get more replies there too.

Hi Gene,
I agree on Armoury mark rather than unit mark. The Brits were (usually) orderly thinkers!
Stu
P.S.Any comment on those other marks sent by email?

I have no idea what the SLK marks are on my gun. I always assumed that they were the British counting guns in native armouries. I just don't know which one.
BTW, yours is a rather good example. Congratulations.

Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking

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Similar Indian armory marks can be found on many matchlock guns on the market, many of them said to come from the arsenal of Raipur. Gene is probably right in assuming that they were struck by the British.